Personnel Update: Gary Palmer’s Deputy Chief of Staff to head Republican Policy Committee
The committee is primarily an advisory committee, with the aim of helping Republican members of Congress debate and discuss policy proposals before the House.
Gary Palmer introduces bill to protect 2020 Flex Spending Account funds
As the United States continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans risk losing the hard-earned dollars they’ve contributed to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This week Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer introduced legislation that would move to protect those with leftover 2020 FSA funds. Typically, FSA money must be used by the end of a calendar year. Still, due to widespread closures of healthcare and childcare facilities during recent shelter-in-place orders, many individuals might have to forfeit unused 2020 funds. “Many people plan ahead with FSAs, and they shouldn’t be penalized for being proactive due to extraordinary circumstances,” Palmer explained. “My bill offers temporary protection for those who have been unable to use their 2020 FSA funds due to compliance with recent stay-at-home orders, and I’m grateful for the support it’s already received. Planning ahead should never be punished, and I hope the measures in H.R. 7149 Act help many people to continue doing just that as we adjust and plan for life beyond this unprecedented period for our country.” H.R. 7149 protects 2020 FSA funds by allowing individuals to: Roll over their FSA balance to 2021; Withdraw their balance without penalty; Change their election amount; or To continue using unspent funds through the end of the year in the event of job loss.
J. Pepper Bryars: Alabama should wait and watch before considering Medicaid
If only Alabama’s leaders had a magical Medicaid “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, so they could flip ahead and see the different outcomes we could expect by expanding the government insurance program that was originally designed for the poor and disabled. Would it end in a stronger economy, more jobs and a vibrant system of rural hospitals? “Medicaid expansion remains an economic development opportunity without equal,” said David Becker, an economics professor at UAB, in an Al.com article. Or would it bankrupt our already cash-strapped state budget and further sink our country into unsustainable levels of national debt? “When you expand Medicaid, the administrative costs and the cost of expansion will eventually swamp the state,” warned U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, Republican-Hoover, during an interview on the Matt & Aunie Show on Talk 99.5 FM in Birmingham. “It has in other states. Illinois is about to go bankrupt.” Each side makes a strong case, but the truth seems hidden behind a fog of experts, statistics and forecasts that confuse more than clarify. The Economic Impact A UAB study conducted by Becker and paid for by the Alabama Hospital Association found that even when Alabama starts paying 10 percent of the expansion’s costs, the move would create thousands of new jobs and generate $2.7 billion a year in economic activity. Becker wrote that the expense would be “almost entirely offset” by new tax revenue and state spending reductions on current Medicaid enrollees and other health programs. And another study funded by the same association concluded that “state savings and other economic gains from expansion could be reinvested in the health care system in Alabama, including to support expansion and other state priorities.” But critics say those predictions are extremely unrealistic and point to how widely off the mark such estimates have been elsewhere. States that expanded Medicaid have signed up more than twice as many “able-bodied adults” than expected and per-person costs have exceeded original estimates by a whopping 76 percent, according to a 2018 report by the Foundation for Government Accountability. This led to cost overruns of 157 percent, the report showed, with Medicaid now accounting for one of every three state budget dollars. Many expect the same overruns in Alabama, which would exacerbate our already challenging budget. “We will have to find $250 million more in the state general fund every year, even when revenues decline in recessions,” said Daniel Sutter, an economics professor and director of the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy at Troy University, in an email. “Alabama’s perennial budget crisis is due largely to having to pay for Medicaid every year. Medicaid expansion makes this pressure worse.” Hospital Closures Supporters of Medicaid expansion most often mention that 12 Alabama hospitals have closed this decade, with many being in rural areas possibly leaving residents without critical care nearby. Expanding the program, they contend, may have saved those hospitals, and could still save many that are at risk. “Those are critical dollars for us as our hospitals currently spend more than $500 million each year in care for which they receive no reimbursement,” said Owen Bailey, chairman of the board of the Alabama Hospital Association and CEO of USA Health, in a press release. “Providing insurance through Medicaid expansion is vital to maintain access to care for everyone.” While an influx of Medicaid cash would help these hospitals in the short term, it’s unclear if it solves the underlying problems that created their instability in the first place. Hospitals are losing money and closing for a variety of reasons, according to The New York Times — shrinking rural populations, hospital mergers, consolidated services, regulatory burdens, low reimbursement rates, and a decrease in hospital care due to outpatient services and speedier care that requires less hospital time. Officials at one Kansas hospital that closed in 2015 told The Times that additional Medicaid funds would have been significant but probably would not have helped them survive in the long run. Meanwhile, help could come from elsewhere. The federal agency that oversees Medicare recently announced that its “tweaking” the formula used to reimburse hospitals in Alabama, a move that AL.com noted could increase payments to rural hospitals. A way forward When economists are arguing vastly different forecasts and outcomes, it’s often helpful to fall back to a few simple yet immutable conservative principles. Chief among them is the principle of prudence, which basically says we shouldn’t rush big decisions – decisions that have long-term consequences and that cannot easily be reversed, if at all. Medicaid expansion is clearly one of those decisions. And even without that magical Medicaid “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, there have already been unexpected plot twists, and clear deathtraps, for other states who decided to expand the program. Alabama should wait and watch to see if the promises, or the fears, are realized. We should also patiently observe states taking alternate storylines through Medicaid waivers, partial Medicaid expansion requests, and block grant plans. Otherwise, if Alabama takes the bait and expands Medicaid, we might turn the final page only to see that ominous yet sadly predictable word. Bankrupt. J. Pepper Bryars is a senior fellow at the Alabama Policy Institute. Follow him on Twitter at @jpepperbryars.
Gary Palmer’s SAID Act passes House, calls for transparency in federal agency settlement agreements
Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer’s Settlement Agreement Information Database Act (SAID Act) unanimously passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The legislation would bring clarity and accountability to the litigation activity of federal agencies. The SAID Act, H.R. 995, would establish a centralized, public database that contains basic information about settlement agreements and consent decrees entered into by federal agencies. In the case of a confidential agreement, the SAID Act would require the agency to issue a public statement that justifies the nondisclosure. “Currently, there is no uniform standard for record-keeping across federal agencies. Most of the public’s access to federal settlement agreement information is primarily issued by press release,” Palmer said. “This lack of transparency frequently leaves the public and elected officials in the dark about costs and outcomes. The SAID Act would provide overdue transparency and accountability standards to federal settlement agreements.” The SAID Act passed the by a vote of 418 – 0. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Palmer discussed the SAID Act ahead of the vote:
Alabama lawmakers, groups respond to Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech
President Donald Trump delivered his second State of the Union address Tuesday night ending with a call for unity. Here’s what Alabama lawmakers and groups had to say about the President’s address: Sen. Richard Shelby: President Trump outlined a policy agenda that both parties can work together to achieve. During his first two years in office, the President has delivered on many promises to the American people, including signing historic tax reform into law, creating one of the strongest economies I have seen in my lifetime, and focusing on vital infrastructure projects. While huge strides were made to address our nation’s most critical issues last Congress, I applaud President Trump’s dedication to solve the challenges still facing us today. It is imperative that we work to put our political disagreements aside in order to secure our borders with a comprehensive solution. As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground on this critical issue. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Tonight, President Trump’s message was clear: if we stop with the political games and focus on solutions, American Greatness knows no bounds. By supporting the President’s clear and bold agenda, the American people will be stronger, safer, and more prosperous. …It is time to stop with the politics of resistance and act on these critically important issues. President Trump is right when he said that great bipartisan achievements in this Congress are possible, especially when we rally behind a commonsense agenda building American Greatness. Let’s get it done. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: In his second State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted the economic success hardworking Americans are experiencing thanks to the implementation of pro-growth policies, including the historic tax reform overhaul. I was also pleased to hear more about his plan to work with Congress to reinvigorate our badly aging infrastructure, strengthen our military, bolster our national security efforts, improve care for veterans, and defend the unborn. In addition, President Trump laid out his vision for our country’s future as it relates to enhancing border security and finally addressing our serious illegal immigration problem. Now, with a divided Congress, I was encouraged by his remarks about the importance of bipartisanship and working together to get our job done. I am eager to continue working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to deliver the results that the American people and Alabama’s Second District deserve. 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed in his speech what makes our country great. His vision for America is attainable if we all work together and his eloquent call for unity will only make our nation stronger. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to build an even stronger economy, ensure our national security remains a top priority and secure our Southwest border with Mexico 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: As the President pointed out, the state of our Union is indeed strong. The economy is growing at an all-time high and unemployment is near record lows. And on the world stage, America is once again showing its strength. President Trump is not only working to defeat ISIS, but is also working to finally end the nuclear threat from North Korea. President Trump is getting so much pushback because he has forced Washington bureaucrats out of their comfort zone. Democrats, and even some Republicans, want to stick to the status quo, but that is not how you achieve results for all Americans. 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: President Trump did an excellent job of explaining why we must secure America’s porous southern border. Too many Americans have lost their lives and their jobs. Too many Americans have had their wages suppressed. Too many Americans are being forced to pay higher taxes to support welfare for illegal alien families. In short, President Trump laid bare for all to see the betrayal of American families by Democrats who care more about illegal aliens than Americans. Whether the focus was on economic prosperity, free enterprise versus socialism, international relations, health care, national security, or the promise of America, President Trump hit the game-winning grand slam, shot the game-winning three point shot, and scored the game-winning touchdown. In sum, President Trump reminded us of how great America is and how proud we should be to be Americans. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: The President’s theme tonight of choosing greatness was what I think the nation needed to hear. He made it clear that we have a choice—we can choose to continue to pursue agendas that will weaken us, or we can choose an agenda that will unite us and ensure a bright and secure future for America. … I hope my Democratic colleagues will heed President Trump’s words tonight and return to this bipartisan approach that he has encouraged. He summed it up well tonight when he said, ‘Together, we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future. The decision is ours to make 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: The President’s promises of bipartisanship and unity tonight ring hollow. Actions speak louder than words. Over and over, the Trump administration has pursued divisive and destructive policies that have failed the middle class. The President has attacked people with pre-existing conditions and American’s right to health care. He has put corporate interests above those of working families by passing the GOP tax scam and denying federal workers their hard-earned paychecks during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Day in and day out, the President has sowed a culture of fear and falsehoods and put his own personal interests above those of the American people. Alabama Republican Party | Chairman Terry Lathan: President Trump showed true leadership through his incredible State of the Union Address. In calling for a renewal
Alabama delegation committee assignments for the 116th Congress
With the 116th Congress officially underway, members of the Alabama delegation have been announcing their committee and subcommittee assignments for the next two years. Here’s where the delegation will be serving: 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: House Armed Services Committee: Subcommittee assignments will be announced in the coming weeks. “Given Alabama’s many military installations and national defense programs, I am honored to again serve on the Armed Services Committee,” said Byrne. “Whether it is fighting for the Austal shipyard in Mobile or supporting missile defense programs critical to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, I look forward to continuing to be a steadfast advocate for a stronger, more capable U.S. military.” House Education and Labor Committee: Subcommittee assignments will be announced in the coming weeks. “The Education and Labor Committee is really all about supporting the American workforce and Alabama’s economy. In order to have a strong economy, we need an education system that builds a skilled workforce and keeps decision making authority at the local and state level,” Byrne explained. “We also need labor policies that benefit workers, not Big Labor bosses or Washington bureaucrats. On the Education and Labor Committee, I will fight every day for Alabama’s students, teachers, and workers.” 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: House Appropriations Committee: Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving on the House Appropriations Committee during the 116th Congress,” said Roby. “These subcommittee assignments give me a seat at the table to advocate for the conservative funding priorities that are important to the people I represent in Alabama’s Second District, including properly supporting our national security interests at home and abroad, ensuring adequate resources and care for our nation’s veterans, and more.” House Judiciary Committee: will serve as the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. “I am humbled to have been selected to serve as the top Republican on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet,” Roby added. “As an attorney, I’m excited to work closely on the important issues this subcommittee touches and to be a stronger voice in this leadership capacity on behalf of my district and state.” 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: House Agriculture Committee House Armed Services Committee House Homeland Security Committee
Alabama’s delegation sworn in for 116th Congress
Alabama’s nine federal lawmakers — two Senators and seven Representatives — took their oaths of office Thursday as the 116th Congress got underway. Here’s what they had to say about their swearing-in: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: As we begin the 116th Congress, I look forward to continuing to serve the American people and welcome my eight new colleagues in the Senate. Let’s get to work! #116thCongress 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: I am honored and deeply humbled to represent Alabama’s Second District in Congress and serve as a voice for our shared conservative priorities. With every vote I cast, my guiding principle is that Alabama always comes first. From supporting Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and Fort Rucker to improving veterans’ health care and advancing smart agriculture policy, I will continue to fight for the issues that impact Alabamians. 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: As the 116th Congress begins its work, I am deeply honored to again have the opportunity to serve the people of Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. As a Congressman, I have fought hard to defend the foundational principles that have made America the greatest nation in world history. I will continue to fight for those values in the face of stiff and majority-controlling Socialist Democrats in the 116th Congress. In particular, I will work to rein in out-of-control Washington spending, secure America’s borders and elections, defend free-enterprise policies from a strong and dangerous but naïve Socialist agenda, while also promoting strong national security and technological advancement NASA promotes for the benefit of all. The prosperity and freedom of America’s future generations is at stake. I appreciate the trust citizens of the Tennessee Valley have placed in me, and I look forward to a fifth term in the U.S. House. 6th District Rep. Gary Palmer: It was a great honor and privilege to stand on the House floor for the third time and pledge to support and defend the U.S. Constitution,” Palmer said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Alabama’s Sixth District in Washington and pursuing sound policies for the good of the country during the 116th Congress. There is much to do over the next two years and I am eager to get back to work. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I am deeply honored to represent the constituents of Alabama’s 7th District here in the House of Representatives. As Democrats take the majority in the 116th Congress, we have work to do advancing priorities from wage growth to infrastructure investment to affordable health care. American voters have also made democracy reform a top issue, and in the new Congress I hope to secure broad support for passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill which strengthens voter access to the polls and combats discrimination in our elections. Today I am deeply moved to see the most diverse Congress in history sworn into office. We deserve a Congress that reflects the diversity of the American public, and last year I fought to break down barriers for women and working candidates running for office. The 102 women who were sworn into the House today are a testament to the power of the women who have marched, protested, and voted for their seat at the table. Watch the full House swearing-in ceremony below:
Moving up the ranks: Rep. Gary Palmer elected to House leadership team
House Republicans chose their leadership team for the next Congress on Wednesday and among them is Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer. Palmer, who first joined Congress in 2015, was elected to the position of Republican Policy Committee Chair for the 116th Congress — the fifth highest ranking leadership position among House Republicans. Prior to this, Palmer served as the Vice Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee. “I appreciate the faith that my colleagues have placed in me and am grateful for their support,” Palmer said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I have focused on being a problem solver and developing and promoting sound policies, so I feel like I’m uniquely prepared for this role. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue advancing and promoting ideas supported by the American people.” Established in 1949 by the House Republican Conference, the Republican Policy Committee (RPC) is a place for Republicans in the House to generate quality legislative proposals. More specifically, “The RPC serves as an advisory Committee to House Republicans and provides a forum for Republican Members to discuss legislative proposals before the House. The Committee reports its findings and suggestions for consideration to the Republican Conference,” according to the RPC website. In his new role Palmer will tap into the experience and skill sets he developed at the Alabama Policy Institute (API), where he served as president for 24 years. During his tenure, the API became a full-spectrum public policy organization that engaged in virtually all policy issues that affected Alabamians. It is considered the premier conservative think-tank in Alabama. Palmer also sits on the House Budget Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. His Alabama House colleagues congratulated him following his election to the position. Congratulations to Alabama’s own @USRepGaryPalmer on being elected Policy Chair of @HouseGOP! https://t.co/rP9dFkpwBW — Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) November 14, 2018 A big congratulations to my friend and Alabama delegation colleague @USRepGaryPalmer for being elected House GOP Policy Chair. Proud of you! — Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) November 14, 2018 Your new House GOP leadership pic.twitter.com/UXyU2wrw94 — Elaina Plott (@elainaplott) November 14, 2018 Palmer pictured on the left. Palmer will serve in the GOP’s leadership team alongside: Minority Leader: Rep. Kevin McCarthy Minority Whip: Rep. Steve Scalise Conference Committee Chair: Rep. Liz Cheney Conference Committee Vice Chair: Rep. Mark Walker Conference Committee Secretary: Rep. Jason Smith National Republican Campaign Committee Chair: Rep. Tom Emmer
What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to resignation of Jeff Sessions
Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned from his post Wednesday, at the request of President Donald Trump, less than 24 hours after voters went to the polls in the midterm elections. Politicians from across Alabama are reacting to the news: Sen. Richard Shelby: Thank you to my good friend, Jeff Sessions, for over 40 years of noble service to Alabama and our country. Jeff was a respected colleague of mine in the Senate for two decades and represented our nation with honor as the U.S. Attorney General. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I’ve known Jeff Sessions for almost four decades, and I applaud his dedicated service to Alabama and our country. I wish him and Mary nothing but the best. I’m confident President Trump will nominate an Attorney General who will continue to be strong on illegal immigration and work to enforce the rule of law in our country. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: I have always known Jeff Sessions to be a man of the highest integrity. I am grateful for his long career in service to the State of Alabama, and I appreciate his remarkable leadership as our country’s Attorney General. I wish him the very best in whatever endeavors follow. 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Having served with Jeff Sessions in Congress, I can honestly say that he has always been someone who is of the utmost character and ability. I know he worked every day to uphold the law in all fairness to everyone. He has done great work enforcing our immigration laws, fighting gangs and opioid abuse and upholding religious liberties. Jeff, and his wife Mary, have been good friends with Caroline and me. We wish them the best in whatever is in store for them in the next chapter of their lives 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Jeff Sessions honorably and ably served as a United States Attorney, Alabama Attorney General, United States Senator, and U.S. Attorney General. Throughout his long career of public service, Jeff’s deep love of country was evident in his unwavering devotion to upholding America’s foundational principles as enshrined in our Constitution. He served with integrity and dignity. I’m proud to have worked alongside him as both a prosecutor in Alabama and member of Congress. I have been fortunate to know Jeff Sessions for a quarter of a century. As an elected official, Jeff Sessions never wavered in his fierce defense of the Rule of Law and America’s sovereign right to defend and secure its own borders. Jeff Sessions has made Alabama proud. I wish him the best as he embarks on his next journey. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: I have known Jeff Sessions for over three decades. When I met him, he was doing honorable service. In this Administration, his service was nothing less than honorable. I’m grateful for his service and friendship and wish him the best in the future. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Today’s firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions is an alarming reminder of the need for checks and balances. Here in Congress, we have a responsibility to protect special counsel Robert Mueller and the investigation into Russia’s interference in our democracy. Our elections were attacked, and the American people deserve all of the facts on what happened. If Attorney General Sessions was fired as a first step towards interfering in the Mueller investigation, then President Trump must be held accountable. Attorney General Steve Marshall: During his time as U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has been the standard-bearer for upholding the rule of law and fighting every day to make America safer. He has been a vital partner to state attorneys general, and to me personally, in dealing with violent crime and in strengthening our efforts to combat America’s opioid crisis. While his style was to work quietly behind the scenes, he made a powerful positive difference in rebuilding the confidence of prosecutors and law enforcement personnel across the nation—not just as U.S. Attorney General, but also as U.S. Senator and Alabama Attorney General. My staff and I will greatly miss Jeff’s leadership at the Department of Justice and we wish him all the best. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan: A man of integrity, Jeff Sessions has led the Department of Justice with dignity and a firm commitment to the rule of law. His reputation as a dedicated public servant precedes his many years of honorable service to our nation. From his time as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Alabama Attorney General, U.S. Senator, to the 84th Attorney General of the United States, Alabamians have strongly supported Jeff Sessions. …A true Alabama statesman, Jeff Sessions has been a warrior for President Trump’s conservative agenda. From enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, fighting opioid abuse to strongly supporting members of our law enforcement, Jeff Sessions has consistently made Alabama proud. His service can be most accurately summed up in our state’s motto: ‘We dare defend our rights.’ Unwavering and resolute, our country needs more public servants like Jeff Sessions. We are blessed and are stronger because of his humble sacrifices through his lifetime of service to Alabama and America.
Alabama Republican Gary Palmer bests Democrat Danner Kline, wins re-election to House
Republican U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer has won a third term, defeating Democrat and an early leader of Alabama’s craft beer industry Danner Kline in Alabama’s 2nd District. With 99 percent of the precincts reporting, Palmer bested Kline 69.3 to 30.7 percent. Alabama’s 6th Congressional District includes nearly all of Jefferson County outside Birmingham, and the entirety of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa, and Shelby counties.
Alabama incumbents sweep Congressional elections
Incumbents carried the midterm elections in Alabama on Tuesday, with six contested races resulting in all six Members of Congress winning their re-election bids. The Associated Press has called all races for the U.S. House of Representatives. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, all incumbents, all Republicans, handily won their given races. Incumbent and lone Congressional Democrat, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell ran unopposed.
Gary Palmer caught in Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump crossfire
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer has been caught in the crossfire between President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Last week, Trump fired several barbs at Sessions, telling Fox news channel’s “Fox & Friends” that Sessions “took the job and then he said, ‘I’m going to recuse myself.” “[He] never took control of the Justice Department and it’s a sort of an incredible thing,” Trump continued. Sessions then fired back at the president, saying that the Justice department would not be “improperly influenced by political considerations.” Rachael Bade, a Politico reporter and CNN political analyst, appeared on CNN Friday, saying she contacted Palmer to speak with him on the subject. “I called Gary Palmer, who is a Republican from Alabama, close with Sessions, yesterday to get his take on this sort of back and forth,” Bade said according to CNN Transcripts. “At one point Gary Palmer was very adamantly defending and blasting his colleagues who were in any way criticizing Sessions. But Gary Palmer told me he has his own problems with Sessions. And he specifically listed some of those things that the president was tweeting about this morning regarding document production to Congress, Rod Rosenstein perhaps not being the best person to be working in the Justice Department, according to him.” “And he was unhappy with certain things that Sessions was doing,” Bade continued. “So I just — I think it’s really interesting, the conversation is changing. And I don’t think that’s a good sign for Sessions. It’s a matter of time, I think, before he goes.” Palmer responded on Twitter by calling out CNN, and denying that the story was true. “A recent CNN news story mischaracterized my trust in Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He has my full trust and I think he’s done an excellent job in de-politicizing the DOJ. The DOJ has many ongoing investigations and Jeff Sessions will ultimately be judged by their outcomes,” Palmer tweeted. “As it stands, Jeff Sessions is doing his job when the only leaks are coming from those being investigated. While I share the President’s concerns about the Russia investigation and believe it should end, Jeff Sessions is recused from that,” he continued. “On the other hand, I think Rod Rosenstein has not represented the DOJ well, especially regarding Congressional oversight and document production. This is what I told the CNN reporter; CNN reinterpreting my comments for the sake of headlines is the very definition of fake news.” A recent CNN news story mischaracterized my trust in Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He has my full trust and I think he’s done an excellent job in de-politicizing the DOJ. The DOJ has many ongoing investigations and Jeff Sessions will ultimately be judged by their outcomes. — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) August 24, 2018 As it stands, Jeff Sessions is doing his job when the only leaks are coming from those being investigated. While I share the President’s concerns about the Russia investigation and believe it should end, Jeff Sessions is recused from that. — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) August 24, 2018 On the other hand, I think Rod Rosenstein has not represented the DOJ well, especially regarding Congressional oversight and document production. This is what I told the CNN reporter; CNN reinterpreting my comments for the sake of headlines is the very definition of fake news. — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) August 24, 2018
